Ecotourism is a travel concept than can be confusing and difficult to figure out. The Encarta Dictionary definition is "a form of tourism that strives to minimize ecological or other damage to areas visited for their natural or cultural interest."
There are a lot of buzzwords that are meant to be a part of the ecotourism industry, but are they truly environmentally friendly, or are they more just marketing friendly? Does a hotel that uses recycled paper products, but also uses harsh detergents to wash towels and linens qualify for and eco-friendly hotel? How about an eco-friendly tour offered by a tour company that does not recycle anything. These are hypothetical, yet considerations when a travel agent is looking for an ecotourism vacation for their client.
When a customer is truly interested in an ecotourism vacation, there is considerable research to be done. Sending someone on a vacation that claims to be eco-friendly, then turns out to be less than friendly can be possible cause to lose a client.
When the terms green tourism, eco-friendly, sustainable travel, nature tours, responsible travel, and similar are used, be prepared to do some research to see just how the tour becomes environmentally friendly.
- Does the tour, hotel, or cruise teach something important about helping the environment?
- When being part of a tour, does the traveler add some benefit to the area they are traveling?
- Can the traveler leave the destination in the same or better condition as when they arrived?
- Is the travel area safe to visit? Checking on travel warnings to destinations is imperative for the safety of clients. Some locations may be more practical for experienced volunteers.
After thinking about answers to these questions or others, then an agent can possibly decide if the ecotourism vacation is right for their client. Check with the ministry of tourism web page to the country of interest.
Here are some other helpful places to find ecotourism packages:
- Eco Tour directory
- The International Ecotourism Society
- The Nature Conservancy
- Answers USA
- ASTA ( American Society of Travel Agents)
Become an ecotourism specialist. Is there a part of the world that intrigues you, as a travel agent? Are you familiar with the area? There are ecotourism vacations all over the world. Become that go-to person with the education and knowledge travelers are looking for. Reading books and magazines, and reviewing webinars and videos about the destination you choose will help an agent become necessary for planning ecotourism travel.